By Oduor Jagero
Published October 29, 2010
A political play, Makmende Vies for President: The Play, goes on stage at the Sarakasi Dome in Ngara, Nairobi, kenya, November 12-14, 2010.
Just declared the poorest country in the world, Kenya is on the verge of collapse. Poverty has ravaged the land. Corruption defines the nation. Poor rains have wilted the spirit and nation of the country. Schools are closed and food factories ail under heavy taxation. Inflation on food prices threatens the existence of Kenya.
Then Makmende, first invented on Facebook by Kenyan youth, is flaunted as the only person who can save the country. When the penniless Makmende announces his bid to become President of the United Tribes of Kenya, the Kenyan youth go wild, and within 30 minutes, his facebook status update reads 400,000 comments. But when his star and rating begins to rise, Mheshimiwa,the wealthy, ruthless, and connected political aspirant goes for his throat. The dirty play begins; Makmende’s name is erased from the immigration records, and he is framed of fraud and rape.
But with impregnable US Senator Barack Hussein Obama-like support, coupled with Makmende’s ghostly and superman character, the chase by the old-guard meets a potent and daring opposition.
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With eyes focused on State House, and riding on the only youthful party, The Remnants Party of Kenya, Makmende walks on a tight rope, passes through baited hooks, walks on hot coals, triples on rocks and kicks pointed daggers. He survives two assassination attempts. He promises to restore hope to the homeless Kenyans. Within two months Makmende supporters have pooled Sh2 Billion through M-Pesa to fund his presidential bid. It’s the biggest political showdown in Kenya’s history.
Will the youth give Makmende the victory? Or will Mheshimiwa’s power machine take him off the race into the cold? The play is directed by Fred Owino who plays Chris in the popular TV programme, Tabasamu, and features able Characters Ephie Murithi playing Makmende, Olympia Owira playing Jasmine,and Alex Munyiri playing Mheshimiwa.
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The play is a production of Hosanna Paratroopers, a Community Based organisation which offers a platform for men and women to transform Kenya’s socio-political, economic, and political environment.
Hosanna Paratroopers has partnered with Sarakasi Trust, Ghetto Radio and PhatBuzz to stage this political thriller.
Tickets can be bought from Recordez Music Shop, Yaya Centre, 2nd Floor and Westgate, 1st Floor; Sarakasi Dome, Ngara; Wakestar Bookshop, Rehani Hse, Banda Street; and Canon House, Haileselassie Avenue, Nairobi CBD.
